WHY PLUTONIUM CORES ARE ONCE AGAIN BEING PRODUCED AT LOS ALAMOS


By bblouin
Los Alamos lab is tasked with creating new plutonium cores.

Nuclear weapons can be made in a variety of ways, but using plutonium cores is a surefire way to end the existence of everything within your designated target area. The demon core plutonium from the Manhattan Project helped thrust the United States into the world’s only nuclear power, ultimately setting the table for such weaponry to become a worldwide reality. The hub of U.S. manufacturing activities remains the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in New Mexico. Now, efforts are ramping up to modernize America’s arsenal as growing nuclear threats persist around the world. Related read: Depleted Uranium Ammo: Not as Scary as You Think (But Still Harmful)

Did the Fat Man Have Uranium or Plutonium Cores?

The Nagasaki bomb nicknamed “Fat Man” had a plutonium core. Specifically, it used plutonium 239 which was surrounded by 64 explosives that were set to go off around the core. This explosion would create a chain nuclear reaction. One of the most famous plutonium cores is the Fat Man. Admittedly, creating the Fat Man plutonium core was a difficult achievement. Government scientists now know a lot more about the process and how to create weapons that are far more powerful. But that doesn’t mean that making nuclear weapons isn’t hard. There are several things that go into the process, and one notable reason for the widespread use of a plutonium 22 core reactor is that it’s easier to use than uranium. Although there are many safety drawbacks, plutonium cores are easier to enrich and develop. Such was the case with the plutonium demon core, which proved effective during the Manhattan Project. Plutonium is a by product of uranium usage in nuclear weapons and for nuclear power, making it available for scientists to weaponize. Staying away from nuclear conflict is in the best interest of everyone who currently inhabits the planet Earth, but the United States can’t afford to assume that everyone is going to do this out of the goodness of their hearts. So, modernizing the nation's own stockpile is critical for deterrence. This is the task that LANL is focusing on as tensions rise around the globe. The birthplace of the atomic bomb is now looking to ramp up its focus on nuclear weapons once again. How are they going to do this you may wonder? The answer — plutonium cores. Suggested read: In the U.S. Military, a Broken Arrow Can Level a City

Los Alamos is Now Tasked With Modernizing Our Nuclear Arsenal as Tensions Rise

Los Alamos opened to the public in 1957, but many of the sites are still closed to visitors today. The Manhattan Project National Historical Park offers information about scientists' lives and events, as there is a renewed interest in LANL after the release of Oppenheimer in 2023. This drew attention to the city and led to more visits and discussions about nuclear weapons' moral implications. Efforts are underway to expand radiation compensation programs in Western states; however, critics cite budget overruns and delays in the federal government's modernization of nuclear facilities. Lab managers face new safety challenges, but share the urgency to address global threats as tensions rise among nuclear powers. Yet somewhere in the middle of all of this lies the fact that the U.S. continues to ramp up the production of plutonium cores. This makes LANL a key player. Over the last couple of years, LANL has hired more than 3,000 workers to surpass 17,000 total employees. This comes in response to a need for ramping up production of plutonium cores. Even with many commuting from Northern New Mexico and Albuquerque, temporarily doubling the town's population, the expansion is necessary to meet production goals. Tech has improved significantly over the decades since the original atomic age, and there is a sense of fulfillment and duty among residents working on the project. However, there are also several other initiatives, including national security, space exploration, supercomputing, renewable energy, and global threat research conducted at LANL. Despite concerns about costs and the moral implication of creating new weapons, the initiative for plutonium cores is pushing forward. Additionally, support remains high due to the town's strong connection to the lab. This is particularly good news as expansion strains the labor market, housing, and traffic infrastructure.

Can a Plutonium Core Power Buildings?

Using plutonium cores for energy generation, although possible, is not advisable. As noted by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), we’re all better off if the global community prioritizes safer and more secure forms of nuclear energy by avoiding highly enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium. Even small quantities of these materials give way to the development of nuclear weapons. It’s estimated that a plutonium 22 core (the size of a Coke can) is enough to create a functioning nuclear device capable of mass destruction. Progress has been made in reducing HEU and plutonium stockpiles. Now, nuclear power reactors are using low-enriched uranium (LEU), which is not weaponizable. Advanced reactors are also favoring LEU over plutonium cores for safety and efficiency. It’s clear that some designs still consider plutonium as a primary fuel source. The problem is that it's costly, attractive to terrorists, and counterproductive in reducing weapons-usable materials. Luckily, safer, more secure nuclear power alternatives are available. These features will be paramount in nuclear energy discussions going forward. Because scientists can achieve clean, safe, and secure energy without relying on dangerous materials, it’s important to seek such solutions to secure the future of a healthy and harm-free populace. Fortunately, those working at LANL aren’t just helping maintain our nuclear devices but are also working on new energy solutions for all. Read next: South Korea Nuclear Weapons Are a Lose-Lose Situation


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